Rian Johnson addresses Star Wars trolls

By Alex Wiggan

Yesterday morning, news began to circulate that Star Wars actress Kelly Marie Tran had deleted all of her social media content after constantly finding herself the subject of online troll abuse. According to reports, in recent months, Tran has received a tirade of abuse from so-called ‘fans’ unhappy with the character she plays in The Last Jedi (2017).

Unhappy with the way Tran has been treated, The Last Jedi director, Rian Johnson has now made his feelings very clear about online trolls.

Taking to Twitter, Johnson said:

“On social media a few unhealthy people can cast a big shadow on the wall, but over the past 4 years I’ve met lots of real fellow SW fans. We like & dislike stuff but we do it with humour, love & respect. We’re the VAST majority, we’re having fun & doing just fine.”

Not surprisingly, Johnson’s tweet was challenged by another Twitter user who claimed the director’s comments were being used to lump criticism together with trolling.

Addressing the Twitter user, Johnson responded:

“Done with this disingenuous bullshit. You know the difference between not liking a movie and hatefully harassing a woman so bad she has to get off social media. And you know which of those two we’re talking about here.”

At this stage, Johnson stepped out of the conversation and it continued between other Twitter users, who gave their opinions argued amongst each other.

Leaving the discussion behind, Johnson later tweeted: “One day I’m going to unfollow everyone but @TheFrankOzJam. When that day comes please don’t be offended, but know that I have found the strength to do what is best for my spirit and soul.”

He added: “Which is all just to say that Frank’s twitter feed is unfettered joy.”

I don’t personally do Twitter, it confuses the heck out of me, but even I’m tempted to follow Frank Oz just to check out this “unfettered joy” that Johnson speaks of. I don’t know exactly what unfettered joy is, but I want some!

As for Johnson’s comments, I’m with him. Fair enough if you don’t like a movie, a storyline or a character, but don’t aim your frustrations and anger at an actress who is simply playing a role.

I appreciate that a lot of people do not like The Last Jedi or the character of Rose Tico, but is that really a reason to make someone’s life a living hell? I don’t think so.